Last December, 12 young men from Oakridge Community Facility celebrated their graduation from the Manufacturing Academy (MA), a 12-week pre-apprenticeship for Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) youth. For Ladante Weems, the Manufacturing Academy provided the chance to make a huge change in his life.
“I’m getting out with a driver’s license, a GED, have the college credits I need for an associate’s degree, a job… what better stuff could you ask for when you get released from juvenile prison?”
Watch his transformation unfold here.
In partnership with Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, Pac-Mountain Workforce Development Council and ResCare, the MA provides young men with the opportunity to earn seven certifications and prepares them for entry-level positions in the manufacturing industry.
With guidance from some of the best instructors in the industry, these youths are able to earn dual college and high school credits and gain soft/technical skills in applied math, assembly, machining, blueprint drafting and reading, welding and much more.